Lawsuit Alleges Sneakers Produce Noisy, Embarrassing Squeaks
A class action lawsuit is underway against On, a Swiss footwear company with its North American headquarters in Portland. The complaint, filed in federal court, alleges that the CloudTec technology used in On’s shoes causes embarrassing squeaking noises with every step.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit was initiated by law firm Markowitz Herbold and includes two plaintiffs. It identifies 11 different products that fall under the Cloud line, all of which allegedly produce the same squeaking sound while walking or running.
Claims Against On’s Shoes
- The lawsuit asserts that the CloudTec outsoles are defective.
- Squeaking occurs in all models using this cushioning technology.
- The affected sneakers are priced between $140 and $180 per pair.
- Consumers have described various DIY attempts to silence the noise, with little success.
The lawsuit further alleges that On is aware of the issue but has failed to address it in its warranty offerings. According to the complaint, the company has classified the squeaking as normal wear and tear, leaving customers without adequate support.
Consumer Experiences
Numerous consumers have taken to online platforms to voice their frustrations. Some users have noted that the constant squeaking has led to social embarrassment, with one comment stating, “Lol my nickname at work is squeak.” The lawsuit includes several screenshots of these complaints.
What’s Next?
The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial but have not disclosed the amount of financial damages they are pursuing. Meanwhile, On has not publicly commented on the ongoing legal situation.
Squeaking sneakers have been a prevalent issue across the footwear industry. Notably, companies like Nike provide guidance on their websites to help customers address similar problems.
As this case develops, it will be interesting to see how it impacts On and its customers. The outcome may set a precedent for how companies handle defective product claims related to sneaker noise.
